Come along, hatchling. Daddy will take you exploring.
Don’t let it tangle with those crocs, I ordered. Lately, crocodiles had taken up residence near the mouth of our lagoon.
Ric’u just chuckled. They know better than to bother a D’ilian
I didn’t know what that had to do with it. Maggie was about three feet tall, now—Ric said it was finally beginning to catch up—but those crocs were huge, and it would be nothing more than a tasty mouthful to them.
Maggie wrapped its arms around my waist and rested its head against my side. I’ll be okay, Papa.
Fine. Run along, the two of you
Papa?
Yes, Mags?
Is it time for my sibling to be born yet? It had asked every day for the past four months
Not yet I’m afraid.
I wish he’d hurry up.
To tell the truth, so did I.
Soon, my fingerling.
You’ll have to stop calling me that.
Perhaps.He dropped a kiss on my hair, then turned away.